Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the increase of volume in the mammary glands of men. Although the reasons for which this condition can occur are varied, it is usually associated with problems with excess weight or due to hyperestrogenism.
This condition has a consequence at an aesthetic level, mainly because it causes men to visibly appear to have small breasts.
One of the main reasons that men come to Dr. Jaime Campos-León is that the increase in size in this area has caused them to suffer an alteration emotionally due to the discomfort that gynecomastia can present. Some patients may also suffer from hypersensitivity or pain in the chest area, especially in the nipples, so surgery to reverse gynecomastia is the best option.
What people can suffer from gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a widespread problem in children and adults. In the case of children or adolescents going through puberty, this problem can disappear with time, but in adults, gynecomastia can prevail for a long time if it is not treated.
What are the types of gynecomastia?
Neonatal gynecomastia – In babies’ cases, this condition is only transitory and is caused by the effect of estrogen; it usually occurs in more than 50% of newborns and can disappear after a few weeks or months.
Pubertal gynecomastia – This can occur around fourteen or fifteen years of age; in these cases, the increase in the breasts’ size is the only thing that happens, so there are no abnormalities. It is estimated that about 60% of adolescents may suffer from gynecomastia. It usually disappears after fourteen months or can last for more than a year.
Senile gynecomastia – Many adults present this problem, and it is usually more frequent in men who are between 45 years of age. It is estimated that the mammary glands’ increase is caused by various hormonal changes or weight gain during this age. These alterations, added to the old age, cause many physical changes in the area of the chest.
Causes of gynecomastia
- Hormonal changes, especially when there is a drop in testosterone and an increase in estrogen.
- Weight gain, excess fat, and increased estrogen can cause fat to be deposited in the mammary glands, causing volume.
- Consumption of certain medications.
- Pituitary gland disorders or problems.
- Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Consumption of drugs.
- Thyroid gland problems, Kidney or liver diseases.
What is the process of gynecomastia?
First, Dr. Jaime Campos-León will examine in detail the degree of gynecomastia, determining if it is possible to make corrections through surgery. Also, age will be taken into account, as well as the symptoms that occur, their duration, health problems, and whether the patient consumes any drugs or is exposed to agents that can alter the hormones’ behavior.
A physical examination will be done in the initial analysis to determine the problem’s causes and any anomaly in the area. Also, the sensitivity and pain that may occur will be examined so that Dr. Jaime Campos-León can know what type of process he can perform. Palpation is essential because, through touch, it is possible to verify whether the cause of gynecomastia is due to excess fat. If nothing abnormal is found, an ultrasound scan will be performed.
Once the central reason for the male patient’s gynecomastia has been identified, Dr. Jaime Campos-León will determine what type of surgical technique he should perform, some of which are:
Simple removal- This process is appropriate for those cases where gynecomastia is present due to glandular hypertrophy.
Simple liposuction- In case the increase in volume of the breasts is caused by excess fat in the area, Dr. Jaime Campos-León can proceed to liposuction, which will remove a large amount of fat.
Removal plus liposuction– This is recommended for those patients who suffer from some glandular hypertrophy but also from excess fat, so different processes will be combined to give the patient a better appearance.
Removal plus skin resection- This technique is performed when the patient has excess skin, which will be necessary to move the areola and nipple to a place where it is aesthetically proportionate.
The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia; this depends significantly on the male patient’s gynecomastia degree.
Does the procedure leave scars?
In case it is necessary to remove any piece of the area, the patient may present small scars, but if liposuction is chosen, the incisions are very small and are not visible. The scars can be treated with different procedures.
Is gynecomastia painful?
During the surgery, the patient will not suffer from pain because he will be under anesthesia. Still, once the anesthesia has worn off, the patient may experience discomfort, controlled with the necessary medications.
Are there risks?
When the gynecomastia case has been examined in-depth, it is very uncommon for risks to arise. Moreover, the technology that is used currently allows the ranges of danger to be very minimal.
When can a patient return to normal activity?
After 24 to 48 hours, the patient will be able to return to their activities without any problem, though it is essential to be very careful and limit physical exertion.
The surgery for gynecomastia is an excellent option for those men who suffer from a lot of volume in the chest area, so contact us if you are interested in this surgery.
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